FIA president feels national pride as Abu Dhabi prepares to stage dramatic F1 title showdown

Sports & Championship

FIA president feels national pride as Abu Dhabi prepares to stage dramatic F1 title showdown

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed deep national pride as Abu Dhabi gears up to host a dramatic three-way Formula One title decider this Sunday at the FIA Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri entering the final race locked in a tense championship battle, the global spotlight is set firmly on Yas Marina Circuit.

Ben Sulayem said the UAE’s long-term investment in motorsport has elevated the nation’s status on the international stage while contributing significantly to F1’s worldwide appeal. “The UAE authorities have provided dedicated support for motorsport over many years, developing events that have put the country on the world sporting map, attracting competitors and spectators from around the world, and exciting F1’s global fan base,” he said. “As an Emirati, I’m proud of my country’s achievements in motorsport. As FIA President, I’m committed to continue to support the consistent efforts in the Emirates to build on the country’s status as a global motorsport venue.”

He highlighted the Middle East’s expanding influence in Formula One, with the UAE joined by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar as key hosts on the championship calendar. He also reflected on Abu Dhabi’s F1 debut in 2009, noting the scale of operations required—over 700 marshals compared with around 150 for a major rally. While early editions relied on international volunteers, long-term local recruitment and training helped the UAE develop a highly competent, largely Emirati marshal team known for professionalism and dedication.

Ben Sulayem said this evolution was crucial to achieving sustainability, a core pillar of the FIA’s motorsport development strategy. Looking ahead, he believes Formula One’s future is stronger than ever, citing Cadillac’s entry as the 11th team next season, Madrid joining the calendar, and new FIA regulations introducing lighter, more agile cars powered by sustainable fuels.

He added that Abu Dhabi remains a benchmark for what the FIA seeks in an F1 venue—strong local investment in not only the race track but also supporting infrastructure and services. Strategic investment in Yas Marina Circuit has also boosted the UAE’s profile as a global tourism and investment destination.

Today, Yas Marina Circuit is regarded as one of F1’s most luxurious and technologically advanced venues. A multimillion-dirham upgrade has equipped race control with one of the most sophisticated monitoring suites in the sport. During Sunday’s race, officials will be able to observe 55 camera feeds, timing data, race logs, and car trackers simultaneously—a vital advantage as the championship hangs in the balance.